A man caring for his disabled mother allegedly stole her bank card to get cash for cocaine, the High Court has heard yesterday.

Stephen Henry is accused of taking the card from their home in Comber, Co Down.

The 23-year-old faces charges of possessing Class A drugs, theft and fraud by false representation.

Refusing his bid to be released on bail to live at the family address, Lord Justice Gillen said: "It's really an impossible application."

Police were called to the home at Upper Crescent on September 1. Prosecution counsel claimed: "He (Henry) took his mother's bank card to obtain money from a cash machine, and used the money to buy cocaine."

Although the alleged victim has withdrawn her statement of complaint, it was contended that there have been previous incidents.

The judge held there was too great a risk of re-offending to allow a return home.

He said: "This really is a hopeless case. I couldn't possibly grant this man bail."